Right in my own backyard...

The verse in the Bible that best describes me is

2 Corinthians 5:17. It speaks of becoming a "new creation" when one accepts Christ. When I became a Christ Follower less than a handful of years back, there were moments I'd look in the mirror and think,

"Who IS this person?"

Then, I would laugh in wonder and delight at the changes He brought about in me and the things He was having me do. Friends who have remained open to me might say I am the same but very much different than I was a few years back.

I've had many experiences, both large and small, in these years as a new thing that make my head spin and my heart open broader. Things that if you had told me years ago I'd be a part of, I would have laughed at for other reasons.

Today held one of those experiences.

Brad and I went to the Billy Graham Museum at Wheaton College. It was, and I'm using a word I try to use only for God stuff,

awesome.I have to admit, I thought the museum itself would be a little hokey (I still harbor some of my more skewed judgments about such "organized religious" things.)

However, it was incredibly well done. The many displays tell the story of evangelism in America, from the first white settlers on through the centuries. About halfway through, we meet Billy and his parents, their history is shared, and then his story is told. For my friends who think I get too into God sometimes, that's what it's called, a story.

Every follower has one.

It's the moment or series of moments in time when it becomes apparent that God is for you:

From his story came so much. Billy Graham seems to be the most humble of God's servants, yet God has used him to touch and to stir so many people.

I can't help but marvel at his influence, and as Brad often points out, marvel about the man God used to bring Billy to Him.

Does he know the measure of his influence?

I took lots of snaps, but this one was important. This is a well known verse, and when Brad heard it as a boy, the minister who was speaking said those gathered should personalize it.

So Brad did,

"For God

so loved Brad

that he gave his one and only Son,

that Brad who believes in Him

shall not perish

but have eternal life."

When Brad did this, God was undeniable to him. This is part of Brad's story.

Try it. Insert your name.

Such a comfort isn't it?

Brad has been a Follower his since he was a child, I have only started. We each were drawn to different displays and each moved by different events and words. We had good discussions; we each learned today.